What is content delivery network?

Content delivery networks have been growing in popularity over the past decade, with several new providers entering this crowded market, bringing with them highly specialised services and unique selling points, all whilst offering bespoke services to individual customers as they try and stand out from the crowd.

But what is content delivery network? With so many different providers available and each offering a multitude of services, this can be a difficult question to answer. However, there are key features that each and every provider has in common:

Network infrastructure

The key feature that sets a content delivery network (CDN) apart from a traditional network provider is the way in which their network is structured and how data is delivered to end users. CDN’s typically consist of many different servers, each located at strategically important points around the world. These strategic places are often at locations where internet traffic is at its greatest, and on the edge of super fast global networks. The reason for this is that these locations experience the most traffic, and are therefore the points that are closest to the majority of internet users around the world.

Data delivery

These networks are important for the way that data is then delivered to end users. In the case of traditional static data, such as large software files, a CDN customer’s files are taken from the original servers where they are located and cached onto every one of the CDN’s servers. By doing this, end users are rerouted to the CDN server that is closest to them when they request data. By reducing the physical distance between data and end users in this way, download speeds are dramatically increased and latency is reduced. This is great for gamers and file downloaders alike.

Dynamic data

But the power of CDNs is not limited to the delivery of static data. Modern advances have provided HTTP optimisation technologies that can improve the quality of dynamic data delivery. This type of data includes that used by social media websites and SaaS application providers.

Analytics

Furthermore, CDNs allow a comprehensive suite of analytics tools to be used, providing information on a downloader’s geographic location, demographics and personal preferences, giving organisations the ability to personalise content for their customers and implement targeted advertising to boost revenues.

With this in mind, it is easy to answer the question ‘what is content delivery network?’ Any organisation that has an online presence can benefit from the many acceleration services offered by CDNs. By implementing a comprehensive CDN solution, you could see your user base, conversions and revenues soar.